What's the difference between a static and dynamic QR code?

A static QR code permanently encodes data directly: once printed, you can never change it. A dynamic QR code uses a short redirect URL, so you can update the destination, track scans, and change content anytime without reprinting. We recommend dynamic for any printed materials.

Do I need to download an app to scan QR codes?

No. iPhones running iOS 11 or later and Android phones running Android 8 or later can scan QR codes natively in the camera app. Just point the camera at the code, no app download required.

How small can I print a QR code and still have it scan reliably?

As a rule of thumb, the minimum printable size is 1 cm × 1 cm (about 0.4 inches) for close-range scanning on modern phones. For anything that needs to be scanned from more than 30 cm away, use 2 cm or larger. Always test before going to print.

Can I change the URL a QR code points to after printing?

Yes, if it is a dynamic QR code. Log into your ScanOrbit account, open the QR code, and update the destination URL. The change takes effect immediately. Static QR codes cannot be changed.

Why does my QR code look different on iPhone vs Android?

The QR code itself is identical on all devices: only the visual rendering of the scanner interface differs. If a code scans on one device but not another, it's usually a printing issue (too small, low contrast) rather than a code issue.

How do I add a logo to my QR code without breaking scannability?

ScanOrbit automatically increases error correction to 'H' level when you add a logo, which allows up to 30% of the code to be obscured. Keep your logo below 30% of the total code area, and always test scan after adding it. We also recommend high contrast between your logo background and the QR code.

Can I track which specific print material a scan came from?

Yes: create a separate dynamic QR code for each print material (flyer, poster, packaging, etc.) and group them in a folder. Each code tracks its own scans independently, so you can compare performance by material.

Is there a limit to how many scans a QR code can receive?

Dynamic QR codes on the Free plan are limited to 500 tracked scans per month. Pro and Business plan codes have unlimited scans. You can also set a manual scan limit as an access control feature on any plan.

What happens if I delete a QR code?

Deleting a dynamic QR code will break the redirect: anyone who scans it will get a 404 error. We recommend deactivating rather than deleting if you might want to restore it later. Static QR codes are not affected as the data is embedded permanently.

Can I use ScanOrbit for free forever?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 dynamic QR codes, unlimited static QR codes, 500 scan tracking per month, and 30-day analytics history, with no expiry date. No credit card required.

Help CenterFeatures

Features

Custom short URL slugs

Replace a QR code's random short link with a readable one like scanorbit.app/r/vip-launch. How to set a custom slug on Pro and what characters are allowed.

Branded short URLs replace randomized character codes with clean, recognizable slugs like scanorbit.app/r/vip-launch.

Setting a custom slug

1Open your dynamic QR code editor (Pro plan required).
2In the Custom Short URL field, enter your preferred slug (3 to 40 alphanumeric characters and hyphens).
3The system checks availability in real time.
4Save your QR code.

Do not change a custom slug after printing physical materials, as the existing printed pattern encodes the original short URL.

Still stuck? Email our team at hello@scanorbit.app or check the related articles below: most questions are answered there already.

URL QR code setup guideSet up a website-link QR code in ScanOrbit: add the destination, optional UTM tags for Google Analytics, and change where it points any time after printing.

Back to Help Center

Articles & Tutorials

Related Guides & Knowledge Base

Master print optimization, real-time analytics telemetry, and campaign design best practices.

Explore All Blog Posts

Design4 min read

8 QR Code Design Mistakes That Hurt Scan Rates

Avoid contrast errors, margin clipping, and improper error correction before high-volume commercial print runs.

Read full guide

Analytics6 min read

What Your QR Code Analytics Are Actually Telling You

Decode scan telemetry: turn city geolocations, device breakdowns, and time curves into actionable campaign ROI.

Read full guide

Guides5 min read

Dynamic vs Static QR Codes: Which One Do You Need?

Understand the core architecture: offline raw encoding vs cloud redirection with instant destination updating.

Read full guide

Help Center & Implementation Documentation

Browse Help Center →

Fundamentals

What is a QR Code?

Matrix symbology, Reed-Solomon error correction, and optical scanner mechanics.

Design Studio

How to Customize Your QR Code

Palette selection, custom logo insertion, frame badges, and vector export formats.

Print Quality

Choosing Error Correction Levels

Level L (7%) to Level H (30%): picking the right density for print durability.

Ready to Implement?

Create Your Dynamic QR Code Today

Experience full vector styling, editable destination routing, and real-time scan analytics: 3 dynamic codes free forever.

Get Started Free View All Plans

Scan to Test Studio

Scan with your phone camera to test instant redirection.

Custom short URL slugs

Setting a custom slug

Related articles

Related Guides & Knowledge Base

8 QR Code Design Mistakes That Hurt Scan Rates

What Your QR Code Analytics Are Actually Telling You

Dynamic vs Static QR Codes: Which One Do You Need?

Help Center & Implementation Documentation

Create Your Dynamic QR Code Today